Air raid sirens were activated in Haifa and the Upper Galilee following the detection of missile launches from Iran, escalating regional tensions.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989, is currently under significant pressure, potentially facing one of the most precarious moments of his leadership.

His tenure has been marked by severe international sanctions and ongoing conflicts with global powers, compounded by widespread domestic protests, including the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement of 2022-2023. Khamenei, at 86 years of age, is grappling with the succession issue as his health status and grip on power come into question against a backdrop of increasing internal discontent and external threats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that the assassination of the Iranian leader could theoretically end the ongoing conflict, while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the intent to act decisively against the Iranian regime.

U.S. officials reported that former President Donald Trump had previously opposed Israeli plans for Khamenei's elimination, raising questions about international alignment on such matters.

Researcher Arash Aazizi from Boston University commented that Khamenei's declining authority over daily governance has resulted in various factions vying for influence within the Iranian political landscape.

Aazizi suggested that the current circumstances may accelerate internal dynamics that have already been in motion.

Israeli operations have successfully targeted key Iranian military figures, demonstrating Israel's capacity to conduct significant intelligence operations.

This raises questions about the feasibility and potential consequences of orders to eliminate Khamenei.

Khamenei has maintained strict security measures, having not traveled outside Iran since 1989.

Kareem Sajjadpour from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicated that Khamenei is facing a dilemma of his own making, as his responses to Israeli actions will significantly affect his control over the country.

A perceived weak response might undermine his authority further, while a robust retaliation could jeopardize the regime's stability.

Despite the mounting pressure, Khamenei has continued to advocate for Iran's proxies in the region, maintaining a strategy to avoid direct confrontation with adversaries.

However, recent development trends indicate potential limitations to this approach.

Jason Brodsky, a policy director at an organization focused on countering Iranian nuclear ambitions, remarked that Khamenei's strategy since taking power has relied on keeping conflicts beyond Iran's borders.

He warned that the current situation could reflect a serious miscalculation on Khamenei's part, reminiscent of the instability Iran faced in the early 1980s, when attacks on leaders led to significant political crises.

The magnitude of recent Israeli strikes has taken the Iranian leadership by surprise, coinciding with ongoing negotiations about Iran's nuclear program.

As the situation evolves, many Iranians are expressing a desire for regime change, though public sentiment remains cautious regarding the potential for bloodshed and war.

Netanyahu suggested in an interview that Israeli actions could catalyze internal change within Iran, emphasizing the weakness of the Iranian government.

Amidst these developments, protests have not yet materialized in large numbers within Iran, although some media outlets reported minor demonstrations against Khamenei.

Aazizi cautioned against assuming that these conditions would lead to a popular uprising promising a swift regime change.